
Suffocate
Physical Danger
Used to express a life-threatening situation due to lack of air.

Many animals suffocate if trapped underwater for too long.
Metaphorically Speaking
Sometimes used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming feeling.

He felt suffocated by his responsibilities.
Intensity Emphasis
Highlights extreme conditions that make breathing difficult.

The smoke was so thick, I thought I'd suffocate.
Compare with
AsphyxiateChokeCrushOppressSmotherSqueezeStifleStrangle
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